The effectiveness of a neck strengthening program using the NecksLevel ® device in a population of youth female soccer players
Date
2024-06-28
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health
Abstract
Research has shown that neck strengthening exercises can improve neck strength with a direct translation to a reduction in head acceleration during headers. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of a novel neck strengthening program on neck strength and girth in a population of youth female soccer players. Using a contemporary neck strengthening device we examined outcomes in isometric neck strength and neck girth in a cohort of 16 female youth (aged 12) soccer players. Paired samples T-tests were conducted to determine differences between pre-and post-training measures. Right Lateral Bending neck strength improved significantly pre- (16.4±5.0 lb.) to post- (17.1±4.4 lb.) training. Flexion, Extension, and Left Lateral Bending neck strength were also improved. These findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted neck-strengthening exercises in enhancing neck strength among female youth soccer athletes and highlight the importance of comprehensive strategies in concussion prevention.
Description
This article was originally published in International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health. The version of record is available at: https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2024.v11.i4g.3454. © 2024 IJPESH
Keywords
concussion, prevention, football, cervical
Citation
Erin O’Reilly, Amanda Delaney, Jeffrey Schneider, Laurie Ruggiero. The effectiveness of a neck strengthening program using the NecksLevel ® device in a population of youth female soccer players. Int J Phys Educ Sports Health 2024;11(4):410-416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2024.v11.i4g.3454